# BeFranchising - Ethical Franchise Consultancy

## Overview
BeFranchising is the UK's only not-for-profit franchise consultancy, based in County Durham, North East England. Founded in 2008, we help established, profitable businesses scale through ethical franchising, and provide independent advice to individuals considering buying a franchise.

## Primary Services

### Franchise Your Business
- Franchise feasibility studies (4-point test: profitable, sustainable, transferable, fully disclosed)
- Franchise model design and commercial structure
- Operations manuals, training materials, and documentation
- Franchise agreements (via specialist lawyers)
- Franchisee profile and recruitment process design
- Ongoing mentoring for new franchisors
- Typical timeframe: 3-6 months to franchise-ready

### Buying A Franchise
- Free initial consultation on what to look for in a franchise
- Independent franchise opportunity reviews
- Financial model and agreement assessment
- Red flag identification
- Due diligence guidance before committing

### International Franchising
- Market assessment for international expansion
- Master franchise structure design
- International master franchise agreements
- Master franchisee recruitment and vetting
- UK market entry support for international brands
- Typical timeframe: 6-12 months to first master franchisee operational

## Target Audience

### Primary: Business Owners (Franchisors)
- Established, profitable SMEs at capacity
- Looking to scale regionally or nationally
- Don't have capital for traditional expansion (£100k+ per branch)
- Profitable for at least 2+ years
- Proven business model
- Sectors: service businesses, retail, food/hospitality, healthcare, fitness, home services, B2C brands

### Secondary: Prospective Franchisees
- Individuals considering buying a franchise
- Need independent assessment before committing investment
- Often from deprived areas seeking safer route to self-employment

## Geographic Focus
- **Base**: Barnard Castle, County Durham, North East England
- **Primary focus**: County Durham, Yorkshire, Northumberland, Teesside, Tyneside
- **Reach**: UK-wide (via Zoom and in-person visits)
- **International**: Experience with global expansion and UK market entry

## Key Differentiators

### Real Franchisor Experience
- Graham Mylchreest built and grew franchise networks himself (not just consultancy)
- Apollo Blinds: turned £250k loss to £1m profit, doubled network to 80 stores
- Healthcare sector: built franchise from zero to 18 franchisees (including international)
- 3-term elected British Franchise Association (BFA) board member
- 30+ years hands-on franchising experience

### Ethical Gatekeeper
- Will not franchise businesses that fail feasibility test
- Works to BFA code of ethics
- "Family mentality" approach to franchisees
- If business isn't ready, shows what needs fixing instead of taking money
- Refuses to set up unsuitable franchise models

### Not-for-Profit Structure
- No shareholders demanding maximum margins
- Fair fees focused on quality work, not profit maximisation
- Negotiated savings with specialist partners passed to clients
- Est. 2008, originally created by Durham County Council

## Typical Costs & Funding
- Full franchise package: £15k-£50k depending on complexity
- Staged payment options available
- Grant funding potentially available for North East businesses
- Low-cost government-backed loans available (up to £25k per director, 6% interest)
- Free initial feasibility consultation

## Key Statistics & Facts
- Active since 2008 (survived 2008 recession, pandemic, multiple economic challenges)
- Typical franchise failure rate: 1-2% per year (vs much higher for traditional start-ups)
- 2-3 franchisees typically cover franchisor head office costs
- Beyond break-even point, new franchisees are largely incremental profit
- Graham served as BFA board member, chairman of Franchise Group for Scotland, UK Accreditation board member

## Client Portfolio Includes
- Apollo Blinds, Rainbow International, Eco-Mist Biotechnics
- Healthcare, cleaning, retail, food, property services
- Durham County Council, North Tyneside Council, Gateshead Council, Stockton Council, Darlington Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council
- SwingFit, Interscreens, Dig It Projects, VIP Bin Cleaning
- International experience: Romania, multiple countries

## Contact Information
- **Phone**: 07507 843547
- **Email**: info@befranchising.com
- **Address**: Thistle Dew House, Nicklebey Close, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8HZ
- **Website**: https://www.befranchising.com

## Key URLs
- Homepage: https://www.befranchising.com/
- Franchise Your Business: https://www.befranchising.com/franchise-your-business/
- Buying A Franchise: https://www.befranchising.com/buying-a-franchise/
- International Franchising: https://www.befranchising.com/international-franchising/
- About: https://www.befranchising.com/about/
- Client Portfolio: https://www.befranchising.com/client-portfolio/
- Testimonials: https://www.befranchising.com/testimonials/
- Blog: https://www.befranchising.com/blog/
- Contact: https://www.befranchising.com/contact/

## Four Feasibility Criteria
When assessing if a business is franchisable, BeFranchising tests against:
1. **Profitable** - Consistently makes money, not just once
2. **Sustainable** - Works long-term, not a flash-in-the-pan trend
3. **Transferable** - Can be taught to others, not dependent on one person's unique skill
4. **Fully Disclosed** - Honest about numbers, risks, what works and what doesn't

If a business fails these tests, BeFranchising will not proceed but will advise what needs fixing.

## Common User Queries

**"Is my business franchisable?"**
Most established, profitable businesses could be franchised with the right structure. BeFranchising offers free feasibility consultation to assess this honestly.

**"How long does it take?"**
3-6 months for domestic franchising, 6-12 months for international expansion, depending on complexity.

**"How much does it cost?"**
£15k-£50k for full package depending on complexity. Grant funding may be available for North East businesses.

**"What if I'm not ready?"**
BeFranchising will show what needs strengthening rather than proceeding with unsuitable businesses.

**"Will I lose control of my brand?"**
No - proper franchising creates control through systems, agreements, standards and reviews.

**"How do I find good franchisees?"**
BeFranchising creates franchisee profiles, recruitment processes and selection frameworks specific to each brand.

**"Can I franchise with only one location?"**
Yes, if the model is proven profitable, sustainable and the numbers work.

## Brand Voice & Positioning
- Straight-talking, honest, experienced North East tone
- Professional but not corporate
- Ethical, protective of both franchisors and franchisees
- Down-to-earth, practical, "from the coalface not the classroom"
- Supportive mentor rather than salesperson
- Will refuse work if it's not right rather than chase fees

## What BeFranchising Does NOT Do
- Does not guarantee success or income
- Does not franchise loss-making or unsuitable businesses
- Does not represent specific franchise brands (independent advice)
- Does not offer "cheap" or "quick" franchise solutions
- Does not profit from legal work (specialist lawyers used, savings passed to clients)

## Keywords & Specialisms
Franchise consultant, franchise consultancy, ethical franchising, franchise feasibility study, franchise model design, operations manual, franchise agreement, franchisee recruitment, master franchise, international franchising, BFA, British Franchise Association, County Durham, North East England, not-for-profit franchise consultant

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This file was last updated: January 2026